This last weekend (22-23 May 2010) Steve and Scott attended the Bristol Comics Expo. In this special episode they record for the first time ever face to face and discuss their experiences of the con. After that you can hear the 'Comic Book Outsiders' panel, recorded on Saturday at 1pm. Hosted by Scott and featuring Pete Rogers and Ian Sharman from Orangutan Comics and Chris Lynch from Monkeys with Machineguns we discuss various aspects of the independent comics press.

Apologies for some of the audio problems in the second half - the issues of recording in a busy room has made some brief sections difficult to hear.

In this episode we speak to China Mieville about our current book club selection, The City and The City. Amongst other things we discuss his influences, the genesis of the book, and the awards he recently received for this novel, including the Arthur C. Clarke award. We also speak briefly about his latest book Kraken which he is currently promoting around the UK at various events.

After the interview the hosts, Scott and Steve, discuss their impression of the book, sharing their thoughts and feelings, as well as comments and feedback sent in by listeners. We also announce our next book club selection which is the classic Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein. The deadline for this book club selection is the week commencing 26th July which gives you plenty of time to read the book and send us your thoughts and feedback for the discussion.

We start with our usual news and reviews before Scott steps away from the mic and Steve talks to some of the organisers of the Alt Fiction event happening in Derby on the 12th June. This is a 1-day literary festival that is attracting fans and authors alike. Further details can be found at: http://altfiction.co.uk/